Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review: Thanks to the IP rating you can use this on the beach or by the pool

PRICE: Rs 12,999 (8GB, WiFi), Rs 17,999 (32GB, WIFI + 4G)

RATING: *****

SPECIFICATIONS: 6-inch high resolution (300ppi) e-ink display with light, 8 or 32GB storage, IPX8 waterproof, 182 grams (WiFi), 191 grams (WiFi + 4G)


PROS: Brings in highend features like IPX8 and flush mount screen, brighter screen, lighter body

CONS: Does not include adaptive light sensor

The popular Kindle Paperwhite is now in its 10th generation. You may already know that the Paperwhite is the mid-range Kindle — the entry level Kindle is a basic e-reader while the high-end Oasis looked and felt a lot more premium. Sensing that people may not want to stretch all the way to the Rs 22k Oasis, Amazon is bringing some of the high-end features to this mid range. The two major upgrades on this generation include an IPX8 rating and a new screen that sits flush with the body.

First off, the IP rating means that you can now use the Kindle without fear on the beach, in the tub or near the pool. You can also sit and read in the pouring rain — if that tickles your fancy. Fair warning though — just like smartphones with IP rating – Amazon does not provide warranty against water damage. It’s meant to prevent damage from accidental exposure — and it doesn’t mean you should take it inside the swimming pool.

Next up, the flush screen. The older Paperwhite had a recessed screen which could trap dust and food crumbs (according to Amazon studies, a lot of people eat while reading). Now, a simple wipe of the screen will clean it right up. The third and less noticeable change is the lighter design. Amazon has to strike a delicate balance here – make the device easy to hold without making it flimsy or tacky-looking. Finally, this generation has 5 LEDs for the light (up from four). This makes it a slightly brighter and lights up the screen more evenly.

The reading experience remains much the same as before, including the way the front light works, quality/resolution of the e-ink and the speed of operation. If you want to extend the battery life, you can switch off the wireless (WiFi and 4G) and keep the brightness levels at mid levels. This is easily doable if you’ve downloaded a lot of books and stored them locally. Storage is doubled from 4 to 8GB, even in the basic version — enough for thousands of books. Folks who like to store a lot of PDFs or read heavier books like comics should get the 32GB version since storage is not expandable. Amazon says that with a half hour of reading like this everyday, you’ll only need to recharge after six weeks.

Like before, the 4G version comes with free, global 4G coverage to download books. The 4G just automatically works if you’re not in range of a known WiFi network. Amazon has also released a range of first-party cases: water-safe fabric (Rs 1,799), leather (Rs 2,399) and the premium leather cover (Rs 2,999). All these cases have the smart wake feature built in. Being a Kindle, you should be able to get your hands on much cheaper third party cases very soon. All said and done, there’s very little to complain about. Spend more on the Oasis and you can get a larger 7-inch screen, metal body and adaptive light sensor. But for most avid readers, the Paperwhite is just what the author ordered.